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Circus Has Plenty of Dancing Women: 72nd Annual Yelduz Shrine Circus Under Way

Posted on: Saturday, 1 April 2006, 06:00 CST

By Jeff Bahr, American News, Aberdeen, S.D.

Apr. 1--The Shrine Circus has elephants, monkeys, dogs and clowns. It also has more dancing women than any circus I've ever seen.

Groups of women, who have no central role in the proceedings, augment at least two acts in the 72nd Yelduz Shrine Circus. Fourteen women, dressed as belly dancers, perform during the opening performance of Bo, the talented elephant. Even during the big finale, the Globe of Death, three women dance nearby and another on top of the globe as five motorcyclists roar around inside.

The outfits aren't that revealing, but bare midriffs are on display throughout much of the show. Like NFL games, the circus now unfolds with women dancing nearby.

Children, though, will find a lot to enjoy in the Shrine Circus, which opened Friday at the Aberdeen Civic Arena.

If you're going to start a circus act, monkeys are a good place to start. Davide Zoppe's Rhesus Monkey Revue is a big hit, as usual. For entertainment, it's tough to beat the monkeys doing backward flips and horsing around on a teeter-totter.

Also good are a juggling act and the De Toscano Troupe, a high-wire act. During their show, the De Toscanos do a four-person wheelbarrow walk on the high wire. The performer on top is a 9-year-old boy.

The Zoppe family also supplies Susan Sheryll's Royal Afghan Champions. As usual, those afghans put on a fine show. It's always nice to see good leapers in the old basketball arena.

Bo the elephant impressed the audience by playing a harmonica, trumpet and drum, and clanging a bell. Who needs to see Manny the mammoth in "Ice Age 2" when you can see a real pachyderm in person?

The Fusco Gauchos, from Argentina, prove that you can entertain a crowd with a few drums, six ropes and a few balls they use to crack down upon a wooden surface.

Four little people, together known as the Little Rascals, are effective at involving the audience and generating laughs.

The circus also includes 12 tigers and one lion, presented by Judit and Juergen Nerger.

Of course, the question going through most kids' minds at the circus is, "What am I going to buy next?"

The light-up souvenirs look more irresistible than ever. And as ringmaster Alberto Valencia reminds the audience, they "come battery-equipped for instant fun."

For parents, here's some key intermission information: It costs $7 to ride an elephant, $6 to ride a pony and $7 to have your photo taken with an albino python.

Before the afternoon show, Miss South Dakota Teen USA Alex Hoffman of Long Lake did a nice job of singing the national anthem.

Remaining performances are today at 11 a.m., 3:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 1:30 and 4:30 p.m.

Advance tickets are $8 for adults and $10 for reserved seats. Tickets at the door are $1 more. General admission tickets are available at Ken's and Kessler's.

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Copyright (c) 2006, American News, Aberdeen, S.D.

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Source: American News (Aberdeen, S.D.)

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